She had
one available qualification for her position, however,--being an expert
in making and mending quill pens. She spent much of her time during
school hours in shaping these writing instruments, and I imagine she
eked out her slender income by supplying pens to the neighbors.
The public schools were, in those days, looked upon as public charities,
and these were not attended by children whose parents or guardians could
afford to pay for private instruction which, whether better or worse,
did not at all events, suggest poverty. So it came about, that father,
on returning from one of his journeys eastward, brought home the idea of
sending Althea and myself to school at Brook Farm.
CHAPTER II
FRIEND GREELEY
When Mr. Greeley first came to our house, I was not very favorably
impressed by his appearance. He was tall and strongly built with broad
shoulders somewhat bent forward, a smooth face, fair complexion and very
light hair worn rather long. He was near-sighted and, like other
near-sighted folk had a way of peering forward as he walked, and this
with his heavy lurching gait, gave him a very awkward, countrified
carriage.
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